Giants Still Not Getting Respect?

Based on how the 2007-08 NFL season played out, one would think that the Giants would finally get some respect from Las Vegas odds makers after they rocked the betting world with their upset over the Patriots in the Super Bowl.

Think again.

This week, NFL over/under total win bets for the 2008-09 season were released and the Giants' mark is listed at 8.5 victories. This figure is two fewer than the Cowboys and the same as two teams that missed the playoffs last season, the Vikings and Saints.

According to Sports-betting.com, a wager of $100 on the Giants (-140) going over 8.5 wins next season would pay $71.43. A bet on the Giants (+110) finishing with less than 8.5 victories would pay $110. The over at 8.5 wins for the Vikings is listed as even and the under is -130. For the Saints, the over is -150 and the under is +120.

While the Giants, who finished 10-6 last season, have a moderate win total projected for next season, the Patriots have the league's highest over/under total to work with at 12. But considering that New England ran the table in the regular season and finished 16-0, 12 victories seem manageable this season. That's why the over is -130 and under is even for the Patriots.